Epilepsy drugs trigger risk of fractures

Sydney: People on anti-epileptic drugs are up to four times more likely to suffer spine, collar bone and ankle fractures than non-users of such drugs.

John Wark, professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne, said his research revealed new information critical to understanding the higher risk for fractures in people taking anti-epileptic medication.

The University of Melbourne study also showed that those taking anti-epileptic drugs had a greater risk of falling down.

More than 70 percent of epilepsy patients who participated in the study were unaware of the increased risk of fractures, decreased bone mineral density and falls linked with taking anti-epileptic medications.

"This study indicates that awareness of these issues is poor," said Wark.